A fresh start for Madrid generated only nuanced changes to the line-up.

In the absence of Zinedine Zidane in the dugout and Cristiano Ronaldo up top, new boss Lopetegui made a slight tweak from the 4-3-1-2 formation that ended 2017/18.

His charges performed in a 4-3-3. Benzema went through the middle and Isco dropped back slightly into the centre midfield.

Madrid had more possession (59/41 per cent) and attempts on goal (14/8). But Madrid managed to generate better chances, from fewer opportunities.

Surprisingly for a team of Atleti’s aerial dominance, the goals came from a perfect Bale cross and then a penalty won from a corner.

With pre-season edging towards to close, alarm bells will ring about how poorly Madrid defended. In one game under Lopetegui they conceded four times, something never witnessed in two-and-a-half years with Zidane in charge.

Centre-backs Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos – admittedly not always ironclad under Zidane – struggled from the start. Costa bullied them for the opener and an awful pass from Ramos to Varane led to the fourth.

These problems multiplied when Brazil anchorman Casemiro was forced off in pain during the second half.

Lopetegui now needs time on the training pitch to further enforce fresh ideas.

4 - Julen Lopetegui is the first Real Madrid manager to concede four or more goals in his first competitive game in charge since Michael Keeping against Celta Vigo in February 1948. Stunned. pic.twitter.com/OYoLspZgO5

This selflessness was not always appreciated. A return of five goals in 32 La Liga matches during 2017/18 wasn’t purely caused by poor finishing – Benzema drifted wide and created space for his legendary partner to exploit.

In Estonia, the middle ground was all his. Often he retreated into the midfield, leaving Madrid without a focal point.

However, this strategy gained validation in the 27th minute. Benzema charged into the penalty box when Bale picked the ball up, several elusive changes of direction bamboozling Montenegro centre-back Stefan Savic and allowing space to expertly head home.

The exiled France striker would also force Juanfran’s handball past the hour mark.

Against weaker opposition than Diego Simeone’s fearsome and settled Atleti, he must produce far more attempts than his two on Wednesday night. Goals have to follow.